ACTIVITY 2 - Tremendous in Ten!
CLASS 8 - Mathematics Subject Enrichment Activity-1
Topic:Exponents and Powers – Comparing Large Numbers
Aim:
To develop logical reasoning and number sense by comparing extremely large numbers.
To apply the laws of exponents and arithmetic operations in problem-solving.
To encourage quick thinking and creativity in constructing large numbers.
Learning Objectives:
Understand and apply the concept of exponents to represent large numbers.
Compare numbers expressed in exponential and arithmetic forms.
Work collaboratively to solve mathematical puzzles under time constraints.
Materials Required:
Notebook / Worksheet (Page 47 activity)
Pen/Pencil
Stopwatch or timer (for 10-second challenge)
Whiteboard/Chart paper (for group play – optional)
Procedure:
Divide the class into pairs (or small groups).
Read the rules of the game:
Each player has 10 seconds to write down the largest number or expression using digits 0–9 and arithmetic operations.
The winner is the one who creates the larger number.
Begin with Round 1 (no exponents allowed – only addition).
Example: Roxie wrote 1013, Estu wrote 999999×999999. Compare which is bigger.
Play Round 2 with a new condition (exponents allowed, only addition).
Example: Roxie wrote 101000 + 101000 + 101000 + 101000
Estu wrote ( 101000000)×9000.
Students compare logically which is larger.
Continue further rounds, changing conditions (e.g., only multiplication, exponents + any operation, etc.).
Record all attempts and discuss strategies after each round.
Observation:
Students notice that exponents grow much faster than multiplication or repeated addition.
Numbers with even slightly higher exponents far exceed large multiplications.
Time pressure (10 seconds) makes students think creatively and strategically.
Result:
Students are able to represent and compare large numbers using exponents.
They understand that exponential growth is much faster than arithmetic growth.
Reflections:
1. What strategies helped you solve the problem?
Using exponents instead of multiplication.
Recognizing that 101000000is far greater than sums like 4× 101000
2. Was there any part of the puzzle that seemed impossible? Why?
At first, comparing numbers like 999999² with 1013 seemed tricky, but using exponent rules made it clear.
3. How did you check whether your solution worked?
By rewriting numbers in exponential form and applying laws of exponents.
4. What did you learn about large numbers?
Exponents grow extremely fast compared to multiplication or addition.
Even small increases in the exponent can drastically increase the size of the number.
Extension / Higher Order Thinking:
Try the game using different bases (like 2, 5, 100) instead of 10.
Explore what happens if negative exponents or fractions are allowed.
Discuss real-life applications of exponents (population growth, computing speed, compound interest, etc.).
No comments:
Post a Comment